While working under the polymath Gio Ponti — arguably the most important figure in 20th-century Italian modernism — furniture designer Franco Albini nurtured a love for modern forms combined with traditional craft techniques.
Albini is widely known for working with organic materials such as rattan and cane for his chairs and other seating, but he also played a pivotal role in the Italian rationalist movement of the early 20th century, which saw architects and furniture makers applying a strict emphasis on geometry in their work. Rationalists drew on Ancient Roman architecture but rejected ornament, much in the way that Le Corbusier and celebrated Bauhaus figures such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe had in their modernist furniture.
Albini received his degree in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Milan in 1929, and, in 1931, he founded his practice in Milan, where he tackled workers’ housing and other reconstruction projects. A gifted urban planner, he also developed the Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso and Tesoro di San Lorenzo museums in Genoa. While Albini is revered for his Margherita chair — a Triennale Milano award winner created for Bonacina in 1951 — he also collaborated with manufacturers Poggi and Cassina in the 1940s on seating, tables and more that embodied his artistic vision. Of that mid-century work, the one piece that perhaps best captures this vision is the iconic Luisa chair.
With its cherry red upholstery and sinuous wooden legs that seem to float aboveground, the Luisa is a genuine masterpiece. It is also a testament to Albini’s perfectionism, as it endured several prototypes — including one made by Knoll in the late 1940s — and took approximately 15 years to design. Poggi launched the final version of the armchair in 1955, earning Albini the prestigious Compasso d’Oro from Italy’s Association for Industrial Design. It is produced today by Cassina. Albini named the chair for someone who likely saw the process firsthand: his personal secretary of two decades, Luisa Colombini.
Find vintage Franco Albini furniture on 1stDibs.
Franco Albini Gala chair by Bonacina, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Gala chair postwar Italian design, designed by renowned architect and designer Franco Albini and produced by the historic Vittorio Bonacina & C. factory, specializing in the art of ...
Rattan
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 19"W x 19"D x 11.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
Franco Albini, Early Rocking "PS16" Chaise Lounge, Sycamore, 1960s, Poggi, Italy
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A rare and early "PS16", cotton, cord and sycamore rocking chaise lounge designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Italy, 1950s-1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Pr...
Cotton, Cord, Sycamore
Margherita Chair by Franco Albini for v. Bonacina, Italy, 1951
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Berlin, DE
Margherita Armchair by Franco Albini for Vittorio Bonacina. Iconic mid-century armchair with a handwoven rattan frame. Designed by Franco Albini and awarded the Gold Medal at the IX ...
Rattan, Glass
Franco Albini Luisa Chair, Wood and Fabric by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Franco Albini in 1953. Relaunched in 2013. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. The small armchair, dubbed Luisa, is the fruit of a fifteen-year process of exploratio...
Fabric, Wood
Armchair "Fiorenza" designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy.
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Armchair "Fiorenza," designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy. A highly collectible model produced for only one year by Arflex. This stunning pair of armchairs features sc...
Fabric, Wood
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina In 1959, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi, a c...
Steel
Margerita Rattan Chair by Franco Albini, Bonacina, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Italian mid-century design by Franco Albini, crafted for Bonacina in the 1950s. The Margherita chair features a sculptural woven rattan frame with a flaring pedestal base and ...
Rattan
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottomans, Pair
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottomans, footstools, or side tables Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Each measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H. Go...
Rattan
Round Pouf Franco Albini 1950s Italian Mid-century Design
By Franco Albini
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Detail Round pouf with cushion i ìn calfskin leather , Italy 1950.
Bamboo
Cassina “Luisa” Chair by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully constructed chair with floating back design. Signed by Cassina. Two available. Priced individually.
Leather
Extraordinary Pair of 'Gala' armchairs by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy 1951
By Franco Albini, Bonacina
Located in Argelato, BO
This pair of armchairs represents an iconic testament to postwar Italian design, designed by renowned architect and designer Franco Albini in 1951 and produced by the historic Vittor...
Rattan, Reed
Franco Albini 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Arflex 1952
By Franco Albini
Located in Tilburg, NL
Franco Albini 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Arflex, designed in 1952. Italy. New, current production. Symbol of comfort, Fiorenza armchair appears in Pirelli's 1950s adv...
Fabric, Wood
Pr. Franco Albini Bamboo Reed Stools Ottoman Tables
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Pair of bamboo, willow reed ottomans, stools, tables. designed by Franco Albini. Interestingly, the original owner had glass tops custom made, to use these as end, or side tables, th...
Bamboo, Glass
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini design...
Metal
Franco Albini Pair of 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chairs for Arflex 1952
By Franco Albini
Located in Tilburg, NL
Franco Albini Pair of 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chairs for Arflex, designed in 1952. Italy. New, current production. Price is for a pair in fabric group T6. Symbol of comfort, Fiorenza arm...
Fabric, Wood
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 23"W x 23"D x 13.75"H. Good original vin...
Rattan
Mid Century Modern Fiorenza Italian Armchairs Designed By Franco Albini, 1950
By Franco Albini
Located in Ibiza, Spain
The structure is made of solid ash wood, steam bent, with the characteristic “X” shape that defines the side supports. They are upholstered in graphite blue wool tweed15000, with hig...
Wool, Wood
Pair of Armchairs PL19 by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern space age Italian design pair of armchairs or lounge chairs model PL19 by Franco Albini for the editor Poggi. Famous design like Gio Ponti, Gianfranco Frattini, Ca...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina In 1959, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi, a c...
Steel
Two 'Luisa' Armchairs by Franco Albini in Oak, Metal and Fabric, Italy, 1949
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Franco Albini, Pair of Luisa Chairs, Italy, 1949 Designed by Franco Albini in 1949 and originally produced by Poggi, the Luisa Chair is one of the most iconic works of Italian postw...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina LEATHER Y : Softness and durability blend in these high-quality leathers, providing a distinctive...
Steel
Lovely Bamboo Stool by Franco Albini, 1950s Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good condition.
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
Franco Albini Sofa mod. DV33 for Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Turin, Turin
Franco Albini (1905-1977) lived in Milan where he stuied Architecture at the Politecnico. He started his career at Gio Ponti's studio, with whom he collaborated before getting in tou...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Franco Albini White Wicker Ottomans, Stools or Poufs
By Vittorio Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Mid-Century modern Franco Albini round wicker ottomans, stools or side tables painted in off white. Manufactured by Vittorio Bonacina, Italy. Paint appears to be original, so...
Wicker
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and fabric lounge chair, model 432, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Cassina, Italy, c. 1950s. Several minor imperfections to wood frame. Vintage fabric ideally reu...
Fabric, Wood
$4,176Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Italian "Margherita" Rattan Armchair by Franco Albini for Bonacina
By Franco Albini
Located in Oceanside, US
A sculptural icon of Italian modernism, the Margherita chair was designed by Franco Albini in 1950 and produced by Vittorio Bonacina. Handwoven from rattan over a finely crafted cane...
Cane, Rattan
Pair of Italian Franco Albini Rattan Margherita Chairs for Bonacina
By Bonacina, Franco Albini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of Margherita rattan chairs designed by Franco Albini for Bonacina, Italy. These sculptural chairs are beautifully crafted and present a rich, desirable patina that enhances t...
Rattan
Franco Albini Wicker Ottoman, Pencil Reed, Italian Mid Century, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Miami, FL
Franco Albini pencil reed rattan wicker ottoman/pouf, circa 1960s. This Italian Mid 20th Century Modern ottoman is considered one of the most iconic Italian designs of the era. The w...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Fabric & Metal
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Berlin, DE
Prices vary dependent on the material. In 1959, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi, a contemporary restatem...
Metal
Franco Albini Mid-Century Organic Modern Italian Rattan Pouf Ottoman
By Franco Albini
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century Organic Modern bent rattan pouf ottoman, footstool, or side table Designed by Franco Albini Italy, 1950s Measures: 24"W x 24"D x 14.5"H. Good original vint...
Rattan
Rare Fiorenza Lounge/Armchair by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy, c. 1953
By Franco Albini
Located in New York City, NY
The Fiorenza Armchair was originally designed for Franco Albini's own apartment and went through several iterations between 1952 and 1967. An early example, this chair was produced ...
Bouclé, Wood
$998Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Franco Albini Bent Bamboo and Rattan Rocking Chair, Italy 1950's
By Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
This iconic Albini piece has all the aspects of beautiful Italian design sensibility of good taste and great form making the material create a form that is both beautiful and light i...
Bamboo, Cane
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair for Cassina, Mid-Century Modern
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchari For Cassina LEATHER Y : Softness and durability blend in these high-quality leathers, providing a distinctive...
Steel
$25,722 / set
Franco Albini Luisa arm chairs Poggi Italy 1955
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
An exceptional and rare set of eight ‘Luisa’ armchairs, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi in 1955. Crafted from solid walnut, these chairs exemplify the depth of Albini...
Linen, Walnut
$900Sale Price|35% Off
Franco Albini, Bamboo Rocking Chair, Italy 1950's
By Franco Albini
Located in London, GB
Italian designer Franco Albini specialised in the charming and beautiful in design, his take on bamboo furniture design was innovative and filled with style as in this example of a 1...
Bamboo, Cane
Franco Albini Midcentury Brazilian Dining Chair jacaranda and fabric
By Franco Albini, Forma Brazil
Located in Barcelona, ES
Franco Albini (1905-1977) Six dining chairs with arms (Price per chair) Manufactured by Forma Brazil Brazil, 1950s Solid jacaranda wood and fabric Measurements 58 cm x 55 cm x 77 ...
Upholstery, Jacaranda
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 8 " Luisa" Chairs by Franco Albini, Italy, c.1955
Fabric, Wood
Franco Albini 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Leather for Arflex 1952
By Franco Albini
Located in Tilburg, NL
Franco Albini 'Fiorenza' Lounge Chair with Ottoman for Arflex, designed in 1952. Italy. New, current production. Price noted is for a Fiorenza chair + ottoman in leather. Symbol o...
Fabric, Wood
$55,762 / set
Franco Albini Fiorenza chairs Arflex Italy 1956
By Arflex, Franco Albini
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare early versions of Fiorenza lounge chairs designed by Franco Albini and manufactured by Arflex in Italy in 1956. These chairs are made of solid walnut and show a unique square ar...
Upholstery, Teak
Franco Albini Set of Two "Model PL19", Manufactured by Poggi
By Franco Albini, Poggi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two "Model PL19" chairs, designed by Franco Albini, manufactured by Poggi Pavia, Italy. The chairs have a lacquered metal frame and are upholstered with red velvet. Literat...
Metal
Franco Albini PL19 Tre Pezzi Armchair for Poggi Pavia, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Paris, IDF
Armchair designed by Franco Albini (1905-1977) and Franca Helg Model n° PL19, 'Tre pezzi' Lacquered metal, brass and recently eupholstered in white sheep wool skin. Early original m...
Metal
Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini design...
Metal
Franco Albini Pouf Stool in Curved Rattan and Woven Wicker, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century organic pouf or side table, fully made of curved rattan and hand-woven wicker. This stylish French Riviera-style pouf was designed by Franco Albini and produced ...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Bamboo Stools by Franco Albini
By Franco Albini
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern rattan and bamboo stools / benches / ottomans by Franco Albini. Rare, master architectural works by Franco Albini that revel in their purit...
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed Tre Pezzi...
Metal
Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchair by Cassina, Modern Italian Design
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed ...
Metal
Set of Two Franco Albini Tre Pezzi Armchairs by Cassina
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Franco Albini in 1959. Relaunched in 2009. Manufactured by Cassina in Italy. In 1952, working with Franca Helg, his long-time assistant, Franco Albini designed ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Pouf Stool Franco Albini Italy, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Organic vintage rattan pouf or stool design attributed to Franco Albini. Italy 1950s. A charming rattan stool or foot stool in beautiful shape. Stable and sturdy...
Rattan
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Poltrona a dondolo Mid Century in bambù e rattan, Italia, anni '60
By Franco Albini
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Una bellissima poltrona lounge a dondolo italiana degli anni '60 in bambù, rattan e paglia di Vienna. Nello stile della "Rocking Chaise" di Franco Albini per Poggi. Oggetto vintage i...
Bamboo, Rattan
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Steel, Fabric, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-enameled steel and red fabric lounge chair, model Tre Pezzi, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Pavia, Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Fabri...
Steel
Vintage Rare Bauhaus German Leather Armchair by Franco Albini for Tecta, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This exceptionally rare chair with arms was designed by Franco Albini in 1933 and produced by Tecta during the 1950s. The frame is made of tubular chrome-plated steel but the seat an...
Chrome
Mid-Century Franco Albini Fiorenza Graphite-blue Wool Ash Italian 1950 Armchair
By Franco Albini
Located in Madrid, ES
The Fiorenza armchair, designed by Franco Albini in the early 1950s, is a hallmark of post-war Italian design and was first produced by Arflex in 1952. The chair’s elegant frame is...
Wool, Wood, Ash
Pair of Rosewood Chairs "Luisa" by Franco Albini, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of Rosewood Chairs is an original design furniture realized in the 1950s. Original Velvet Upholstery chairs. In the style of Franco Alb...
Velvet, Wood
Franco Albini, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Steel, Fabric, Italy, 1960s
By Franco Albini
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-enameled steel and red fabric lounge chair, model Tre Pezzi, designed by Franco Albini and produced by Poggi, Pavia, Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Fabri...
Steel
Franco Albini Split Reed ottoman or pouf collection (6) Classic Mid Century
By Mauro Bonacina 1, Franco Albini
Located in Buffalo, NY
Franco Albini, Large vintage mid-century rattan cane 'Lobster Pot' Ottoman stool ... airy appearance sturdy and stable . . Split reed ottoman/pouf with solid maple legs that extend ...
Wicker, Rattan, Reed
Mid-Century Modern Red Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy
By Franco Albini
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Fiorenza by Franco Albini for Arflex, Italy.
Fabric, Wood
Rare No. 48 Armchair by Knoll International
By Franco Albini
Located in Munich, DE
Designed by Franco Albini and made by Knoll International.
Wood
Set of 6 Franco Albini "Luisa" Chairs, Production Carlo Poggi, 1950s
By Franco Albini, Succ. Carlo Poggi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of 6 Italian wood and fabric chairs armchairs Model "Luisa" designed by the Italian designer Franco Albini and produced by Poggi Pavia 1955. Bibliographie: Italien 1950er Jahre,...
Fabric, Wood